Etsy Seller Spotlight: Juncture9

I’m sharing another Etsy Seller Spotlight today, this one on Teresa at Juncture9, a jewelry designer.

How Etsy Helped My Jewelry Business Grow

When I was asked to write this guest post about my Etsy business I was quite excited! I am just getting my feet wet in the world of blogging and I appreciate this opportunity. Thank you Today’s Work at Home Mom! You will definitely be asked to return the favor.

Hello, I am Teresa Walsh, interior designer by day and jewelry designer by night and weekends. Let me tell you a little about myself. I am from St. Louis, MO, where I currently reside. I have also lived in Chicago, IL – twice! I have been an interior designer for the past 25 years. All of my work in commercial design – office, healthcare, government and facilities work. About 20 years ago the jewelry bug hit me. I would see pieces at art fairs and say to myself – “I could do that”. After some time I pushed myself and took some jewelry making classes and never looked back. Over the years I made jewelry for family and friends and also made a number of sales. But in 2010 I was at a juncture in my life and I realized I really wanted to focus more on my jewelry – fill a creative void that needed to be filled. One day a friend at work suggested I open a shop on Etsy. Etsy was new to me, but once I checked it out – I was hooked. I knew that this was something that I wanted to do. So, in January of 2010 I opened my Etsy shop – Juncture9.

Most of the pieces in my shop are beaded using Czech glass beads (I have a bit of an obsession with them). I also use lampwork beads, paper beads and Swarovski crystal. I have also incorporated my love of photography into my jewelry. I take photos and create pendants, bracelets and key chains. It is a nice way of capturing a memory! Custom work has also been a big percentage of my business. Some of the custom work that I have done – bridal party jewelry, necklace/bracelet/earring sets, rosaries, photo pendants – have been the most enjoyable to do. There is something about meeting with someone (or via messages with Etsy) collaborating and then delivering his or her vision. I guess I approach custom work like I approach an interior design project!

From the start I realized that Etsy was a perfect fit for me. A lot of people dream of having a brick and mortar shop to sell their goods – I know that I did. What I found with Etsy, it allows you to sell your items to a broader spectrum of people – worldwide. I have sold my jewelry to people in my own metropolitan area all the way to Australia. Their format is easy to use and is being updated all of the time to grow with requests or functional changes that make it easier for the sellers as well as the buyers. Etsy also has a great community and great resources. If you have a question on listing your items, photographing your items, pricing your items, etc. They have an article or forum about it! I have also taken classes on starting a jewelry business, photographing your items and pricing your items from local resources as well. The Internet, of course, is also a great resource as well. There will always be new things to learn. Etsy is always looking for these new things to help you and your business move forward.

I do have to say, Juncture9 would not be where it is today without the love and support of family and friends. I feel it isn’t a bad thing to ask for help. It is a busy world we live in and sometimes a little support can really make a difference.

I eased into the world of jewelry making and I feel Etsy really helped my business grow. There is always room to grow though and I plan on making jewelry for many years to come. I am looking forward to see the evolution of Etsy and Juncture9 throughout the years to come!

Comments

Teresa – I love your jewelry! I used to do much more jewelry years ago, but since I got back to knitting, I can’t put my needles down long enough to do much anymore. *giggle*. Hope you’ll check out our Etsy store (Simple66Stuff) sometime. I made sure to “favorite” your shop!

Kimberly – Thank you for your kind words! I love the items in your shop and added you to my favorites! I remember meeting you at STLBBC – so great to connect again. Thanks again for reading my post and checking out my shop!
Teresa